LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce the dependency on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK means Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.

It permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye.

During the LASIK procedure, a knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea.

Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced.

While LASIK procedure may be the best thing to happen to your glasses-wearing self, this is not for everyone. If you fit any of the descriptions, LASIK is just not for you.

You don't take risks. There are certain complications which are unavoidable in a certain percent of patients. LASIK procedure does not have long term data, so in the end, you really don't know what you're getting into.

Cost is and will be an issue. LASIK is refractive surgery and most medical insurance will not cover it. Although the cost is going down, it still in not significant and this procedure will put a hole in your pocket.

You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability.

If you fit any of the profiles. If you are in your early 20's or younger, if you have diabetes, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and if you are taking medications that may cause fluctuations in vision.

You're sick and your medications will affect wound healing. Certain conditions such as autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency states and diabetes may prevent proper healing after the LASIK procedure.

If you actively participate in contact sports. You participate in boxing, wrestling, martial arts or other activities in which blows to the face and eyes are a normal occurrence.

You are not an adult. Currently, no lasers are approved for LASIK on persons under the age of 18.

Your doctor should also screen you for the following conditions or indicators of risk:

Blepharitis. Inflammation of the eyelids with crusting of the eyelashes, that may increase the risk of infection or inflammation of the cornea after LASIK.

Large pupils. Younger patients and patients on certain medications may be prone to having large pupils under dim lighting conditions. This can cause symptoms such as glare, halos, starbursts, and ghost images (double vision) after surgery.

In some patients these symptoms may be incapacitating. For example, a patient may no longer be able to drive a car at night or in certain weather conditions, such as fog.

Thin Corneas. The cornea is the thin clear covering of the eye that is over the iris, the colored part of the eye. Most refractive procedures change the eye's focusing power by reshaping the cornea. Performing LASIK procedure on a cornea that is too thin may result in blinding complications.

Previous refractive surgery. Additional refractive surgery may not be recommended. The decision to have additional refractive surgery must be made in consultation with your doctor after careful consideration of your unique situation.

Dry Eyes. LASIK surgery tends to aggravate this condition.

Once you've gone through this checklist and you're cleared, go ahead and visit you're eye doctor. No more glasses forever!